| The fragrant leaves of the coriander herb are part of | | | | Growing coriander in pots is not recommended since |
| many types of cuisines such as Oriental, Middle | | | | this herb has a long taproot which develop best in an |
| Eastern and Hispanic and are used in meat, vegetable | | | | open garden. It also prefers a milder climate, for this |
| and lentil recipes. Growing coriander in your own | | | | reason if you live in a tropical or sub-tropical area it is |
| garden is the best way to ensure the freshest supply | | | | best to grow coriander during winter, while early spring |
| for your cooking. | | | | and late summer are the preferred seasons for |
| By becoming familiar with the growing requirements of | | | | growing coriander in temperate climates. |
| this distinctive herb it will make growing coriander an | | | | Most gardeners sow coriander directly into the soil |
| easy task. To get good results one should prepare the | | | | because transplanting causes the plant to stress, in |
| soil by ensuring that the area intended for planting is | | | | fact if transplanted the coriander plant will most likely |
| weed free. I like to dig the soil and rake it, this way it | | | | bolt and cease to grow before it is mature. One thing |
| removes any large clumps of dirt. | | | | to remember is that if you are growing coriander in hot |
| The small seeds can be sprinkled in rows no closer | | | | weather, the plant will mature more quickly. |
| than four inches apart and lightly covered with a thin | | | | You should plan to sow in increments of every three |
| layer of washed river sand or seed raising mix. Then | | | | weeks to obtain new seedlings. If you get a few hot |
| one should mist the area just planted being careful not | | | | days it is likely that your coriander will go to seed |
| to displace the seeds. When growing coriander it is | | | | therefore growing coriander seeds every 3 weeks will |
| important to keep the seeds moist by misting the soil | | | | produce lots of coriander plants over several months. |
| on a daily basis until the seeds sprout. | | | | To harvest the tastiest coriander leaves, wait until the |
| Unlike many seeds that take about a weed to | | | | plants are mature, and snip the stems from the base |
| germinate, coriander seeds take up to twenty-one | | | | of the plant. The leaves should be light green for the |
| days. Once the seedlings are 2 inches tall it is | | | | best coriander flavor for your salads, stews and |
| recommended to thin the plants to about 8 inches | | | | soups. Be sure to leave a few stems and leaves on |
| apart to ensure that you get tall plants with plenty of | | | | the growing coriander so the plant will keep producing |
| healthy leaves. | | | | and you can enjoy this fragrant herb all summer long. |